I think the 1883-0 eagle is a bridge to other rare (even rarer) eagles and half eagles. As we know, when one looks at the St Gauden and Liberty Double Eagles, many of the better dates are way over priced. As you know, the prices on some of these coins have been coming coming down. Just look at the prices of the 1870-CC. It may be popular but think of all the nice coins that are as rare (or in the case of the 1864-S eagle or half eagle even rarer) and full of history. I ask the people who follow Double Eagles do a test!! Check PCGS and NGC population guides and see for yourself how many Eagles and Half Eagles are rarer than the 1929 Double Eagle or the 1892 Double Eagle. Take an 1864-S Half Eagle and put it in the Saint Gauden series or even the Liberty Head Series. This coin is rarer than most any of these pieces. Is it really worth paying $500,000 for an 1856-O Double Eagle that is similar rarity and history to an 1864-S half eagle or Eagle? I think people are making a statement with the 1883-O Eagle. So is the 1860-S Eagle next? This is even rarer than the 1883-0 Eagle at a third of the price!!

Larry Jackson

It seems that this is what happened early in the decade (or is it now last decade?) with the New Orleans Type 1 Double Eagles. Those prices have stuck since then, too. Rarity discovered. I am happy to have procured my PCGS AU58 1883-O Eagle before the rush, and will treasure it forever. I felt all along it was a great acquisition, and thanks to you.

Speaking of rare New Orleans gold coins, I do believe that some day this type of discovery will happen to the 1840-O Broad Mill Half Eagle, among others. Even though it is a variety (but a very distinctive one) it is extremely rare as such. There are perhaps less than 15 known, I believe. The discovery wave will makes its way down from Double Eagle, to Eagle (there are other very rare dates, such as the 1859-O!) to Half Eagle, in time.

JL